Lot 3374

German Damascus Sword, Inscribed as Gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II

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German Damascus Sword, Inscribed as Gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II

Estimate: $6,000 - $9,000

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Historic Damascus Steel German Military Officer's Sword Inscribed as a Present from Kaiser Wilhelm II with Scabbard Measuring 41 inches overall, the blade is 34 inches, with a lozenge profile for most of the length, narrow double fuller in the upper half and a rectangular cross section ricasso, all rendered in attractive "maiden hair" pattern Damascus steel. Decorative etched ribbons are present on both sides of the blade, "Eisenhauer" ("iron hewer" associated with fine steel weapons) on the left side and "Damaststahl" ("Damascus steel") on the right, and the front edge of the ricasso is marked "M. NEUMANN. BERLIN/HOFLIEFERANT"; Neumann was a purveyor of goods to the Imperial Palace, and his mark is found on a number of presentation grade swords from the 1890s and 1900s. The hilt is gilt brass with a folding counter-guard on the left side, wire wrapped grip, and a silver sword knot. The fixed portion of the counter-guard is engraved "27. Februar 1897", and the folding portion is engraved with the imperial crest over "Geschenk Sr. Majestat Kaiser Wilhelm II" (A gift from his majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II), and the pommel bears a "signet seal" pattern reverse rendering . Includes a black leather scabbard with gilt brass furniture. February 27, 1897, corresponds to Kaiser Wilhelm's wedding anniversary, which was reportedly also used as the jubilee date for the 100th anniversary of William the Great of Prussia (technically in March); such events, in addition to being hotbeds of networking and political maneuvering would often be a time for presentation of honors, promotions and gifts.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: Very fine, with small patches of pitting on the polished blade, wear along the edges of the sword knot, scuffing of the scabbard, and mild handling marks overall.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000